Geez… not another “incident.” I’m too long in the sticks to fully appreciate the insanity of the city. I can’t understand how someone can back into a scooter or anything for that matter. But the parking congestion is exponentially different where you are.

I hope you get things sorted and you’re comfortable with the fit and finish of your scooter. Maybe you need a beater scooter for Gotham and save the 2022 for trips!

As I write this, I’m in Gotham working on both old and not-so-old computers for a client. I’m parked around the corner from where, two evenings ago while working for the same client, someone backed into my ’22 GTS SuperTech, putting a nice crease in the left side of her previously-unscathed haunches. Thankfully, the owner hung around until I returned to my bike and exchanged insurance info, as well as his offering profuse apologies. Hopefully, before too long, dearest Thelonica will be put to rights again, but at least she’s running as she should.

I’m of two minds about these things: I like keeping my rides looking nice; not showroom-pristine, which is way the hell too much work form my PoV, but just nice-enough to please my eye. A tiny scratch here or there isn’t going to rock my dinghy too much, although sucker-punches like a few days ago do bother me, hence my thankfulness for proper repairs commencing shortly. But I ride my scoot lots, a relatively far (work and what passes these days for play), as this is my principal mode of personal transport. So, like you, I take care of my ride, but don’t let much get in the way of my riding it. 🙂

I definitely have access to those fine routes, right nearby, and plenty of good weather. But other concerns seem to keep me occupied of late. But I plan to see the seasons change in the mountains. It’s already cold here with mornings in the 40s. My kind of weather!

That was a fantastic ride in the hills with perfect weather. Something you have access to every day. Well, maybe not the weather. Next time we will come closer to you,

I’ve had many people suggest, even insist, that it was time to “upgrade” to a 300. Like you, the 250 just seems to be fantastic. Other than newer with some more bells and whistles, I’m not sure I would get anything that would effectively improve the riding experience. So I stubbornly stick to my old Vespa 250. And I probably will until it just becomes impossible to keep running it.

And my wife often says what you do, when I need something, I can go out and buy what I need. It’s nice to pare down and focus my needs!

I sure wish I could have gotten together for a ride with you and your brother. Another time maybe.

You are absolutely right Jim. I do not want to spend the money on a new GTS. My fears surrounding the Vespa I have are largely figments of my imagination that whisper to me that the engine is about to die and needs a top-end rebuild. Maybe it will. But even then, a rebuild is cheaper than the nearly $9K out-the-door price for a new GTS here in Pennsylvania.

As you say, I’ve already replaced the stuff that normally wears out. And if the scooter breaks down on the road, I’ll make a call and have it hauled home. I need to follow the example of one of my heroes, Alfred E. Newman, “What? Me Worry?”

If I were going to spend my cash, I would rather buy a Royal Enfield Classic 350 to play with. Something I do not need. Right now I have everything I need and can ride. But you know how it is, the eye wanders towards new machines sometimes…

It was good stuff Paul. We’ll have to venture their again on the motorcycles going over the longer and rougher mountain road the drops down to Hecla Park. Before it snows.

There’s always lots to ponder. I try and limit my pondering of aggravating stuff to a minimum though. It’s not always easy though. A ride on the Vespa sure helps to soften things.

Whenever I read about Voni Glaves or other aging riders putting tens of thousands of miles on motorcycles each year into their 80s and 90s I have to think they’ve hit the DNA jackpot. For some of us, genetics intervene in ways that are beyond our control. It’s certainly true for me. I can deal with what I have a chance to control and just have to accept the rest. I’ll be addressing some of these aging rider issues in a video sometime soon.

You’re right about a slower pace and absorbing and appreciating more. I wish I had realized that a long, long time ago.

Keep riding. And keep the machine on the road!

When health issues intrude life changes dramatically. Certainly at a psychological and emotional level. And it can reach out into the physical stuff too. I’ve been there more than I like. And in the face of those situations, the Vespa continues to be a logical choice for me. I like the GTS though I have to admit when my back is bad and putting the GTS on the centerstand is an issue, it’s nice to have the featherlight ET4.

Lets hope the Grim Reaper can’t see a Vespa clearly!